Writer Quiara Alegría Hudes On ‘White Hot’ Rage

The interview explores themes of motherhood, abandonment, and female agency through the lens of Quiara Alegría Hudes's new novel, *The White Hot*. Hudes discusses the double standards applied to mothers who leave their children versus fathers, referencing the character Siddhartha as an example of glorified male abandonment. She also reflects on the role of rage in her character April's decision and the societal constraints that often limit women's expression of anger. Hudes connects her personal history and the influence of Philadelphia's Puerto Rican community on her work, highlighting the cultural richness found within segregated spaces. She also touches on her collaborative creative process with Lin-Manuel Miranda, emphasizing playfulness and shared artistic energy.